The World - News from Oct. 7, 1987

Coup leader Col. Sitiveni Rabuka formally declared Fiji a republic, ending a 113-year bond with the British monarchy. The declaration, broadcast over army-controlled Radio Fiji, came 24 hours after talks broke down with Queen Elizabeth II’s representative and the leaders of the South Pacific island nation’s two political parties. Rabuka vowed to maintain the political dominance of ethnic Fijians over the larger Indian population. “I reaffirm the indigenous Fijian race is empowered with the land and right to govern themselves for their advancement and welfare,” he said. Rabuka, who staged a coup Sept. 25, said he will continue as head of an interim government.